DK Shivakumar & Siddaramaiah head to Delhi to finalise new Karnataka team

BENGALURU/KALABURAGI: Ahead of DK Shivakumar's swearing-in as Karnataka CM on Wednesday, Congress has shifted gears to put together a team of ministers, appoint a new chief for the party's state unit and pick members for boards and corporations.

The CM-elect and outgoing CM Siddaramaiah are heading to Delhi on Monday to meet the high command to finalise the first set of names.

In Kalaburagi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said there have been no talks yet on the creation of a deputy CM's post or possible names for cabinet formation. "There has not been a decision yet whether to swear in 8 or 10 ministers on Wednesday," he said.

Kharge said the cabinet formation will be a two-phase exercise - first, this week; and second, in 15-30 days. "Ultimately, it is up to the new CM to decide what he will do." All such discussions would be held after June 3, he said.

On the next KPCC president, Kharge said the search was going on for a new face who could strengthen the party organisation. "After one president leaves office, another must come. A suitable person should be selected, keeping in mind social and political balance," he said.

Noting that assembly elections in the state were just 24 months away, he said, "We are looking for a fast-paced, inclusive figure."

DKS cited limited seating at Lok Bhavan, the venue of the oath-taking ceremony, and said the event would be live-streamed at select locations for the party cadre.

"Besides politicians from across the country, we will have state MLAs and MPs (former and current), and block and district presidents of the party. We are making arrangements at the party's two offices - old address and Queen's Road - to live-stream the ceremony," he said, while apologising to party workers.

The CM-designate said he has extended an invite to Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for the foundation-laying of the Congress office on Race Course Road. "Another office will be built under the leadership of Ramalinga Reddy on Queens Road. Plans and documentation are being prepared for building 100 Congress offices in Karnataka," he said.